Lahore in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Lahore

21°C (70°F) High Temp

8°C (47°F) Low Temp

18mm (0.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather for walking - December's 8-21°C (47-70°F) range makes exploring the Walled City's narrow streets comfortable all day, unlike scorching summers when tourists hide indoors by 11am
Prime time for rooftop dining - Clear December evenings with 70% humidity (vs 90%+ in summer) make rooftop restaurants like those on MM Alam Road actually enjoyable instead of unbearably muggy
Ideal kite-flying season - December's steady northern winds make this peak season for traditional patang-bazi (kite flying) in parks like Lawrence Gardens, with locals gathering every weekend afternoon
Wedding season cultural immersion - December is peak shaadi (wedding) season, meaning more elaborate street decorations, increased mithai (sweet) availability, and chances to witness baraat processions through old neighborhoods

Considerations

Dense fog disrupts travel - December mornings often bring visibility under 50m (164ft), causing flight delays at Allama Iqbal International Airport and making early morning sightseeing nearly impossible until 10am
Accommodation prices peak 40-60% higher - December weddings drive hotel demand sky-high, with decent mid-range hotels jumping from PKR 8,000 to PKR 12,000+ per night
Smog concentration worsens - December's temperature inversions trap pollution, creating hazardous air quality days (AQI 200-300+) that make outdoor activities uncomfortable for sensitive individuals

Best Activities in December

Walled City Heritage Walking Tours

December's cool mornings (8-15°C/47-59°F) are perfect for navigating Lahore's historic core without summer's punishing heat. The 70% humidity feels pleasant rather than oppressive, making the 3-4km (1.9-2.5 mile) walks through Shahi Guzargah and around Badshahi Mosque comfortable. Clearer December air also means better photography of architectural details that get lost in summer haze.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (9am-12pm) to avoid afternoon crowds and capture best lighting. Tours typically run PKR 3,000-5,000 per person. Book 5-7 days ahead through heritage tour operators - December demand is high. Reference booking widget for current available tours.

Shalimar Gardens Photography Sessions

December transforms these Mughal gardens as the harsh summer sun softens to golden winter light, perfect for photography. The 21°C (70°F) afternoon temperatures make the 1.5km (0.9 mile) garden walks pleasant, while winter's lower UV index (8 vs summer's 11+) creates ideal portrait lighting conditions. Fountains run more frequently in cooler weather.

Booking Tip: Best timing is 2-4pm for optimal lighting. Entry fee PKR 30 for locals, PKR 500 for foreigners. Private photography guides available for PKR 2,500-4,000 for 2-hour sessions. No advance booking needed for entry, but photographers should be arranged ahead.

Food Street Evening Culinary Tours

December evenings bring perfect conditions for outdoor dining - 15°C (59°F) temperatures mean no need for air conditioning or fans, while lower humidity lets you actually taste the subtle spices in dishes like seekh kebabs and karahi. The cool weather extends outdoor dining hours until midnight, giving more time to sample multiple locations along Gawalmandi and MM Alam Road.

Booking Tip: Start tours around 7pm when temperatures drop to comfortable levels. Food tours range PKR 4,000-7,000 per person including tastings. Book through culinary tour specialists 3-5 days ahead. December is peak season for food tourism. Check current options in booking section below.

Badshahi Mosque Sunrise Photography

December's later sunrise (7:15am vs 5:30am in summer) makes early morning photography sessions more feasible for travelers. The cool 8°C (47°F) dawn temperatures are comfortable for the 45-minute climb up adjacent Lahore Fort for elevated shots. Winter's clearer air and lower humidity create sharp architectural photography impossible during summer's haze.

Booking Tip: Arrive by 6:30am for setup before sunrise. Mosque entry is free, Fort entry PKR 500 for foreigners. Photography permits for professional equipment cost PKR 2,000 additional. No tour booking needed - this is a DIY activity best done independently.

Lawrence Gardens Family Picnics and Kite Flying

December's steady 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) northerly winds create ideal conditions for traditional Pakistani kite flying (patang-bazi). The 15-20°C (59-68°F) afternoon temperatures make park activities comfortable for families, while winter's dry conditions mean grass areas aren't muddy like monsoon season. This is when locals gather for weekend kite competitions.

Booking Tip: Visit weekend afternoons (2-5pm) for the liveliest kite-flying scene. Kites available from park vendors for PKR 50-200 each. No formal booking needed - this is an authentic local experience. Bring picnic supplies or buy snacks from park food stalls (PKR 100-300 per person).

Anarkali Bazaar Shopping Tours

December's cooler temperatures make navigating the crowded, narrow alleys of Anarkali bearable - summer heat combined with body-to-body crowds is overwhelming for most visitors. The 21°C (70°F) highs mean you can spend 3-4 hours browsing textiles, handicrafts, and traditional clothing without heat exhaustion. December is also wedding season, so selection of formal wear and jewelry is at its peak.

Booking Tip: Best shopping hours are 11am-2pm and 4-7pm when temperatures are most comfortable. Budget PKR 5,000-15,000 for quality textiles and handicrafts. Guided shopping tours available for PKR 2,000-3,500 per person. Book through cultural tour operators 2-3 days ahead for December busy season.

December Events & Festivals

Late December

Sikh Heritage Festival

Annual celebration at Gurdwara Dera Sahib commemorating Guru Gobind Singh's birthday, featuring traditional music, free community meals (langar), and religious ceremonies. December brings pilgrims from around the world to Lahore's historic gurdwaras.

Mid to Late December

Lahore Literary Festival Winter Sessions

Literary discussions, poetry readings, and cultural performances held at venues across the city. December sessions focus on contemporary Pakistani and South Asian literature, with many events held outdoors due to pleasant weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - Mornings start at 8°C (47°F) but reach 21°C (70°F) by afternoon, so pack removable layers rather than heavy coats

Light wool sweater or fleece - Essential for early morning mosque visits and evening dining when temperatures drop quickly after sunset

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - December's occasional light rain (18mm/0.7 inches) can make marble mosque floors and old stone streets slippery

SPF 50+ sunscreen - Despite cooler weather, UV index still reaches 8, and winter sun reflects strongly off light-colored Mughal architecture

Dust mask or N95 - December smog can push air quality to hazardous levels (AQI 200-300+), especially during morning fog periods

Power bank and phone protection - December's higher humidity (70%) can affect electronics, while extended outdoor sightseeing drains batteries faster

Cash in small denominations - December weddings mean increased demand for PKR 100-500 notes for tips and small purchases

Light rain jacket - Brief December showers last 15-20 minutes but can soak through cotton clothing quickly

Warm sleepwear - Hotel heating is often inadequate for 8°C (47°F) nights, especially in budget accommodations

Scarf or shawl - Essential for women visiting mosques, and useful for everyone during cool morning sightseeing

Insider Knowledge

Morning fog delays clear by neighborhood elevation - Higher areas like Model Town clear by 9am while lower Old City areas stay foggy until 10:30am, so plan sightseeing routes accordingly

December weddings mean Thursday-Sunday evening traffic chaos - Avoid major routes like Mall Road and Canal Road between 6-9pm when wedding processions (baraats) take over streets with horses, bands, and dancing crowds

Local families flood parks on December weekends for kite flying - Join the scene at Lawrence Gardens or Model Town Park around 3pm for authentic cultural immersion, but avoid if you prefer quiet spaces

December is peak season for fresh citrus fruits - Street vendors sell the year's best kinnow oranges and sweet limes for PKR 80-120 per kg, perfect healthy snacks for walking tours

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking morning flights without fog buffer time - December fog regularly delays Lahore airport departures until noon, so avoid connecting flights with tight windows

Underdressing for evening activities - Many tourists pack only for 21°C (70°F) highs but get caught off-guard when temperatures drop to 8°C (47°F) after sunset

Skipping air quality checks - December smog can make outdoor activities genuinely dangerous for people with respiratory issues, but many visitors don't monitor daily AQI reports before sightseeing